Dragon’s Dogma 2 Romance Guide: NPC Bonds, Gifts, and Endings

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Dragon’s Dogma 2 introduces a romance system, but it’s so tangled that players may figure out romance faster in real life than in this RPG. This romance guide covers all intimacy options with NPCs and the chances for romantic scenes with story characters, helping players navigate the dating options without getting overwhelmed.

Guides for Dragon’s Dogma 2

Without knowing how to find a romantic partner among NPCs, which mechanics unlock intimacy, or which quests yield the right gifts, players risk missing out on a large portion of romantic content in one of the year’s standout games.

What romance systems exist in Dragon’s Dogma 2?

Dragon’s Dogma 2 features several romance systems that apply not only to story characters but also to ordinary NPCs. Each system grants a distinct set of bonuses and perks that can noticeably enrich the gameplay. For example, admirers may send gifts or merchants in love with the player may offer goods at a discount. Those seeking deeper romantic ties with story characters will also find satisfying paths, as long as the player identifies the right partners. Detailed explanations of all systems follow.

Fastening system

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, most NPCs can become closer to the player. Each NPC carries an affection meter that can rise based on specific actions and circumstances. When affection peaks, a character may display red dialogue cues, visit the player’s home, leave gifts, or fly into a flirtatious mood. Loving merchants may offer better prices as well.

However, regular NPCs do not provide formal romantic dates or intimate scenes. The attachment system grants special privileges but does not alter relationships or introduce new companions.

Romantic system

A genuine romantic bond, with declarations of love and a distinctive video scene, can emerge only with two key characters: Ulrika and Wilhelmina. Building such a relationship requires completing many missions to unlock deeper love lines.

Ulrika is among the first characters players meet. After their initial encounter, the player will need to locate her in the open world to start her personal quest, which ultimately leads to romance.

Wilhelmina appears during the mission “The Stolen Throne.” She becomes an ally when given leadership of the Wenworth brothel. From that point, a relationship can develop through completing special tasks.

There is a fan system that influences the game’s ending.

Both romance tracks share a global fan system that shapes the final arc. The NPC with the highest affection and strongest commitment score will play a pivotal role in the ending. A spoiler is available for readers who want the mechanics explained.

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During the final quest Legacy, the dragon seeks the main character’s lover. If Ulrika or Wilhelmina has been pursued, the dragon is likely to pick one of them. If no strong affection exists for any NPC, the dragon will choose the partner with the most gifts among quest givers or, if no signs of attention are shown, select a pair itself.

How to relate to an NPC

Suppose a player meets an NPC they want to build a bond with. Here is a practical approach:

  • Talk to an NPC at least once to unlock dialogue options;
  • Open the menu and go to the History tab;
  • Click on List of Characters and select the target NPC;
  • Check the character description under gender, race, and residence for preferences;
  • Note items the character likes. For example, Danny favors unique and stylish goods;
  • Close the menu;
  • Start a conversation and use the gift option. On PS5 it is Square, on Xbox the X, and on keyboard the Y or X keys depending on the setup;
  • Choose a fitting gift.

Gifts should align with the character’s tastes. Giving an unwanted item, such as rotten fruit or dried flowers, can cause the Affinity Meter to drop sharply.

Gifts and maximum intimacy in Dragon’s Dogma 2

There isn’t a single fixed number of gifts that guarantees peak intimacy. It depends on the NPC, gift quality, and personal preferences. In practice, four to six well-chosen gifts often suffices. A daily limit exists: only one gift can be given per day.

Visual progress of romance is not always explicit with regular NPCs. Patience and variety in gifts are key. If a suitable gift is scarce, consider Flower Bouquets found in the open world or purchased from merchants for around 1000 gold coins.

Eventually, lovers will show obvious signs of closeness. Reaching this blush marks the peak of the attachment system.

Gift lists and categories

Here is a curated list of gifts that can help build a strong NPC bond.

Nice items:

  • Flower bouquet;
  • Afternoon bloom;
  • Sunflower;
  • Copper ore;
  • Silver ore;
  • Gold ore;
  • Fuligine ore;
  • Black crystal;
  • Dragon Life Crystal;
  • Golden insects.

Items not suitable as gifts:

  • Dried flowers;
  • Scrap;
  • Rusty parts;
  • Crystal shards;
  • Blue crystals.

Charming items:

  • Flower bouquet;
  • Afternoon bloom;
  • Sunflower;
  • Apple;
  • Figs;
  • Raspberries;
  • Quince.

Items not suitable as gifts:

  • Dried flowers;
  • Rotten or unripe fruit.

Unusual items:

  • Healing Elixir;
  • Increased vitality;
  • Panacea;
  • Books of spells;
  • Parts and organs of dangerous monsters.

Items not suitable as gifts:

  • Detox decoction;
  • Organs of weak and common monsters. For example, goblin horns.

Expensive items:

  • Any item that costs a lot of gold;
  • Rare ore;
  • Gold objects;
  • Expensive spare parts and equipment;
  • Black crystal.

Items not suitable as gifts:

  • Scrap;
  • Rusty parts;
  • Stones;
  • Coal.

Rare items:

  • Parts and organs of rare monsters;
  • Plague Moons;
  • Griffin’s Great Claw
  • Deformed Eye

Items not suitable as gifts:

Any other organ from a less valuable sample.

Interesting articles:

  • Rare items that drop from monsters;
  • Bones;
  • Horns;
  • Canines;
  • Gears;
  • daggers;
  • Swords;
  • Leggings;
  • Breeches.

Items not suitable as gifts:

Daggers with frozen edges;

Courtly tunic;

Two-handed sword;

Rusty and cracked objects.

Other guides

Notes: content adapted for clarity and playability. The game’s romance mechanics are best understood through practical exploration and thoughtful gift selection, guided by in-game prompts and character preferences.

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